Once you have gained experience in selling and product knowledge, you could supervise a team of retail assistants or customer service advisers.
You could work as an assistant manager, helping to run a department or a small branch. You could work as a senior retail assistant, with more knowledge of the products that you sell. Some roles are off the shop floor, such as merchandising or buying.
Case study
Like most things, the more you put in, the more you get out...
Harrison Muyeji, supervisor/shift leader at a leading supermarket
Example jobs
Fresh produce manager
Keeping the retail area stocked and well-presented to meet sales targets.
Merchandising assistant
Ensuring that stock appears in the right store at the right times, forecasting and analysing sales.
Visual merchandiser
Creating displays inside the shop and in shop windows.
Beauty consultant
Advising on, demonstrating and selling cosmetics.
Builders merchant assistant
Advising on and selling building products to trade customers and the general public.
Senior sales assistant
Providing full support to the retail manager, promoting brands, customer satisfaction, working to maximise all sales opportunities, supervising and possibly training junior staff.
Things you need to know
Typical working conditions
- Work is generally fast-paced, especially during busy times.
- You will mainly be working on your feet and some jobs may be outdoors.
- You may need to wear a uniform or protective clothing.
Qualifications needed
Qualifications or experience from elsewhere, such as hair and beauty, IT or construction, could help you into retail work.
With some experience in a sales-related job or retail job, you could become a supervisor or assistant manager. You could manage a team or a small store or branch.
Career path
You can move into store management. Many retailers like to promote their own staff to senior positions. You may need to study for a business-related or management qualification. You could move into a head office role where you can also be promoted.
Useful links
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